Southampton can boast a history steeped in naval tradition as well as some of the most pleasant weather you can find in the UK. This lively port city provides plenty to visitors when exploring the area, and there is something for everyone as we will take you through the best things to do while you’re visiting the south coast.
Train tickets to Southampton
CrossCountry services run frequently from far and wide, operating trains to Southampton Central, as well as Southampton Airport Parkway, if you’re looking for a getaway a little further afield. Trains from Manchester, York, and Newcastle all go to Southampton, including a change at Birmingham. We always suggest booking an advance ticket to get the best savings and to reduce the hassle for your adventure.
It is also worth checking your eligibility for a Railcard, which can help you save up to 1/3 on your ticket. Railcards range from 16-25, senior, as well as veterans to name a few.
FAQs
There is just one main train station in the city:
You will arrive into Southampton Central and be around a 15-minute walk (or a short bus ride) from the city centre.
Heading on a cruise? You lucky thing! The station is around a 22-minute walk from the port, however we bet you’ll have loads of luggage, so you can hop on the U1C or the THREE bus for around 10-15minutes, or grab a taxi.
Southampton Airport is the closest airport, and is easily accessible from Southampton Central. Simply hop on a 7-minute train and with only 99 steps between the platform and the terminal doors, you’ll be at the airport in no time.
If you have any further questions about Southampton Central, check out our station guide.
Experience Southampton
Places to eat in Southampton
It would be wrong to visit Southampton without sampling some of the freshest seafood on offer in the UK. One restaurant that highlights the quality of the seafood in Southampton is The Jetty, part of the Harbour Hotel. This award-winning restaurant plates up seafood fresh out of the water right next to the restaurant as it is set on the harbour, providing a spectacular backdrop to an unforgettable meal. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, make sure to book a table outside on their harbourfront terrace to soak in the sun.
There are also some great places to eat in Southampton offering a quick bite to eat during your adventures throughout the day, La Regata offers some of the best tapas on the south coast. This chic and authentic Spanish Restaurant has a whole host of Mediterranean delicacies on their menu, and as it is predominantly a tapas restaurant, you can pick and choose a variety of dishes allowing for exploration. Don’t miss out on their paella though, which won an award in 2024!
Places to stay in Southampton
There are plenty of options for places to stay in Southampton, with a varied choice ranging from boutique, historic accommodation to luxuriously grand hotels.
One Boutique option is The Pig Hotel. This hotel is nestled amongst the medieval walls that sprawl across the city, adding to this accommodation’s unique atmosphere. The hotel is also known as The Pig in the Wall, an affectionate nickname from locals. It is a boutique hotel, with only twelve rooms available. Each room has its own distinct style and character meaning that no two guests will have the same experience. The Pig Hotel is conveniently just a fifteen-minute walk from the station towards the harbour.
For something modern and luxurious, the Leonardo Royal Hotel provides the perfect option. The architecture of the building can be spotted from miles away, and the grand stature of the building provides some spectacular views of the harbour in each of its 173 rooms. Choose anything from a standard double room to a penthouse suite, with each room complete with the usual complimentary items you expect with any top-quality hotel. The Leonardo is also just over a fifteen-minute walk from the station and is well situated in the city.
Culture and heritage in Southampton
One of the most notable moments of Southampton’s history was Titanic setting sail towards New York from the port of the city. Due to this ship’s famous story, the SeaCity Museum based in the heart of the city has a permanent exhibition that highlights the impact that this story had on the city.
Jane Austen also called Southampton home for a number of years and moved away in 1809, just a few years before she wrote some of her most notable novels including Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense & Sensibility. The city loves to highlight her famous work in many forms. There are exhibitions that are on show across a number of the city’s museums and theatrical renditions of her novels in Southampton’s famous Mayflower Theatre.
Arguably the heartbeat of the city and county of Hampshire is Southampton football club. Located just off the River Itchen, St Mary’s Stadium hosts both the men’s and women’s football team alongside some famous musical acts during the summer, including acts such as The Killers, and Elton John. If you’re on the lookout for a football match or a gig whilst in Southampton, St Mary’s will have you covered.
Shopping in Southampton
The most popular place for shopping in Southampton is the Westquay Shopping Centre, and for good reason. This shopping centre has everything you could need for all your shopping needs across a wide range of departments. From tech giants like Apple, to luxury fashion retailers like Zara, you won’t struggle to find what you’re looking for here.
The city centre also includes a wide selection of independent shops both old and new. Beatnik Emporium provides a huge variety of vintage clothes and also boasts the title of Southampton’s oldest vintage shop. Vinilo Record Store has been a hit with both locals and tourists, for its eclectic mix of genres spanning across rock, pop, folk, and hip-hop.
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